Update: Suspect Arrested in Connection with July 9 Shooting Incident at Downtown Portland Demonstration

July 17, 2020 18:35

  Follow @PortlandPolice

On Thursday July 16, 2020, the Portland Police Bureau arrested a man in connection with a shooting incident during a Downtown demonstration event.

30-year-old Harold Jerome Phillips Jr. was arrested without incident at a Salem, Oregon residence and booked into the Marion County Jail on a probation violation. Phillips Jr. was given a Multnomah County Circuit Court Criminal Citation for Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Recklessly Endangering Another Person.

Investigators have not located the firearm used in this shooting.

This investigation started on July 9, 2020, at approximately 1:15 a.m. At that time, police observed reports on social media that someone in a vehicle fired a handgun several times into the air as he drove away from the area of Southwest 3rd Avenue and Main Street after an apparent dispute with demonstrators. There were no reported injuries as a result of the shooting.

After the shooting, officers checked the Downtown Portland area but did not locate the vehicle. Due to ongoing demonstration activity, officers were unable to check the crime scene for evidence until several hours later, locating none.

Information and videos posted to social media provided investigative leads, which led to the identity of the driver as Phillips. Additionally, investigators learned that Phillips is a convicted felon, prohibited from possessing firearms.

Information about Phillips Jr.'s probation violation, as well as his booking photo, are available by visiting the Marion County Sheriff's Office Adult in Custody/Offender Information page: https://www.co.marion.or.us/SO/Probation/pages/offenderinfo.aspx

The Portland Police Bureau would like to thank the Salem Police Department for its assistance in this investigation.


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The original release had the incorrect date. Updated release with correct date below.

On July 9, 2020, at 1:15 a.m., during a downtown demonstration, a vehicle arrived in the area of the crowd. The vehicle turned onto SW Main Street and then attempted to turn around, going the wrong direction.

At this point, the demonstrators and the occupants of the vehicle began to engage with each other and several shots were fired from the vehicle as it drove away. The shots were directed into the air and not directly at anyone. Fortunately, no one was injured.

Officers in the area attempted to locate the vehicle but were unsuccessful.

Due to the demonstration, officers were unable to canvass the area for evidence until later. No evidence was recovered from the scene.

This is an active investigation and PPB is asking for the public's help. If anyone has information about the shooting, please call the non-emergency line at 503-823-3333.

If you see a gun crime in progress, call 9-1-1.

Submit an anonymous tip:

Visit the App Store and download P3 Tips to submit secure and anonymous tips.

Online at https://www.p3tips.com/823

Call 503-823-HELP (4357)

So far, PPB has responded to 29 shootings in July 2020 compared to 8 for the same timeframe in 2019. This is a 262% year-over-year increase.

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